The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has announced the imminent launch of a selection of NHS-compliant cleaning skills, adapted from the Institute’s long-established Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite.
The selected skills will be compliant with both PAS 5748:2014, and the draft ‘NHS National standards of healthcare cleanliness manual’.
The Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite now has over 40 skills, each providing a methodology behind the task, from the materials and PPE required, best practice for delivery, and a standard operating procedure.
BICSc has recently formed a successful working relationship with 2gether, the inhouse FM service provider for East Kent Hospitals. They coincidently have been the first to roll out these adapted skills with the new Trust’s standards.
Trudy Gleeson, Director of Facilities Solutions at 2gether, said: “This year, more than ever, a spotlight has been shone on the critical role of support staff in ensuring that our hospitals are cleaned to the highest of standards to control the spread of infection. Their training is as important as that of every other staff member within the healthcare environment.
“2gether Support Solutions is committed to providing the best service possible for patients, visitors and staff at East Kent Hospitals and I’d like to thank all our staff for the way they have embraced this training opportunity to enable us to provide a high standard of service. Investing in training is part of our long-term commitment to the development and retention of our valued employees.”
BICSc’s Head of Technical Services, Denise Hanson, added: “We would like to thank 2gether for their support and collaborative input with the content of this launch. The rollout of these skills will assist operatives in ensuring the infection risks posed by the delivery of services have been assessed, trained and understood.
“The provision of a clean and safe healthcare environment remains a key priority. To assist with this, BICSc has considered the key elements for effective infection control which promotes patient confidence and demonstrates the existence of a positive safety culture.
“Should this draft version be approved and published this year, it would bring NHS recommendations for colour coding (within cleaning areas) in line with the BICSc ethos for best practice and standards.”
